Preview Julia Donaldson's joyful tale of love
Two devoted scarecrows plan the perfect wedding – until a rival threatens everything.
Football
26th December 2025
25th December 2025
‘Some need to be guided more than others’: PL boss’ warning amid England cricket investigation
Thomas Frank will give his Tottenham squad Christmas Day off, but only because it fits in with their schedule ahead of Monday’s (AEDT) match away to London rivals Crystal Palace.
Carlos Coronel poised to spurn Orlando City for São Paulo: Sources
The Brazil-born Paraguayan international had agreed to a deal with Orlando City but has backed out of it for an alternative.
Zidane in stands for son Luca's Algeria clean sheet
France great Zinedine Zidane watched his goalkeeper son's safe hands as Algeria started its Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-0 win over 10-man Sudan on Wednesday.
Richards on U.S., Palace return: 'Won't be long'
United States defender Chris Richards said it "won't be long" until he's back for Crystal Palace.
LA Galaxy finalizing deal for free agent Justin Haak
MLS legacy outfit LA Galaxy could be on the cusp of a massive bounce-back season in 2026 as the club look to close a deal for free agent center-back Justin Haak.The 24-year-old Brooklyn native had a g...
LA Galaxy continue defensive makeover with move for NYCFC's Justin Haak: Sources
The Galaxy are continuing their offseason resurgence after a title defense that went horribly wrong.
Ex-poker player Bord is preferred Sheff Wed bidder
Former professional poker player James Bord is chosen as the preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday, BBC Sport can confirm.
Impossible to replace Fernandes - Amorim
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says it is "impossible" to replace captain Bruno Fernandes, who is set for up to a month out with injury, but other players "must step up".
Barcelona cool Guehi interest - Thursday's gossip
Barcelona cool their interest in Marc Guehi after meeting his agents, but Marcus Rashford wants to remain at the Spanish club, and Crystal Palace rival West Ham for Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen, plus more.
Afcon roundup: Algeria beat 10-man Sudan and Côte d’Ivoire start defence with win
Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria launched their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a comfortable 3-0 Group E win over 10-man Sudan in Rabat.
The final Christmas Day fixture in England - 60 years on
This year marks the 60th anniversary since the final Football League match was played on Christmas Day in England.
Amorim challenges Manchester United to ‘step up’ after Bruno Fernandes injury
Ruben Amorim has described Bruno Fernandes as “impossible to replace” but has told Manchester United’s players the captain’s injury is a chance for them to step up.
'Impossible to replace' - Fernandes could miss up to a month
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says it is "impossible" to replace Bruno Fernandes as he faces up to a month without him.
What to look out for in EFL's Boxing Day programme
BBC Sport takes a look at five things to keep an eye on in the EFL's Boxing Day fixture list.
Which of these 8 midfield targets would fit best at Man United?
Manchester United are in the market for a midfielder, with at least seven names are under consideration. But which one would fit best?.
Look out, Arsenal: Man City titles have been built on dominant midseason runs
Man City haven't been their typical best this season -- at least not yet, though the festive period is when their title wins have been built. Should Arsenal be worried?.
24th December 2025
Southampton and Coventry charged by FA over melee
Coventry City and Southampton are charged by the FA for the scenes after the final whistle in their draw at St Mary's on Saturday.
'Always hungry, always brave' - why Man City want Semenyo
Every transfer window, there is a player whose future becomes the defining saga of the month. This January, it looks set to be Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.
EFL Quiz of the Year: Who has been breaking records in 2025?
From record-breakers to dire financial situations, there's been much to talk about in the English Football League in 2025 - but do you remember the finer details?.
Enticing Salah would be a coup for Saudi league searching for an identity
Egypt forward could change face of a league so far mostly reliant on ageing stars and alter perception of football in the Arab world.
Afcon 'bringing hope' to Sudan amid civil war
Sudan's participation in the Africa Cup of Nations is "bringing hope" to the country amid its civil war, forward Abobaker Eisa says.
Wednesday bidder Storch excited by Owls opportunity
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sheffield, Sheffield Wednesday bidder David Storch shares his vision for the club.
Martha Stewart becomes latest celebrity to invest in Swansea City FC
US lifestyle entrepreneur joins Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric by making minority investment in the Welsh club. The American lifestyle personality Martha Stewart has become the latest celebrity to become a co-owner of Swansea City football club.
Was there a WW1 Christmas truce? Plus: Semenyo eyes Man City move, Yamal's odd figurine
Today in TAFC's special edition: Was there a Christmas Day Truce? Plus: Quiz questions and Yamal's curious Catalan figurine.
All your FPL stats and Premier League team news in one place
Every key bit of Premier League team news and the most important Fantasy Premier League statistics - all in one place.
Barça's Bonmatí aims for April return to training
Aitana Bonmatí said that breaking her leg is giving her the chance to relax for the first time in five years after topping ESPN FC Women's Rank for the third time in a row.
‘Lots of noise’: Five clubs in race for PL’s $131m breakout star... as a frontrunner emerges
One of the Premier League’s breakout stars, Antoine Semenyo, is poised to make a move to Manchester City in a mammoth January switch.
The 50 best women's soccer players in the world for 2025, ranked!
Here are the 50 best women's soccer players in the world for 2025, as ranked by an expert panel of coaches, GMs and journalists.
Rangers receive knockback in Windass return bid - gossip
Rangers boss Danny Rohl is keen on former Ibrox forward Josh Windass.
Why football at Christmas is a very British tradition
Mob football, Bank Holiday legislation and the strange tradition of too much football at Christmas.
Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal, Chelsea eye January move for Marseille's Bakola
Marseille midfielder Darryl Bakola is attracting interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.
Divock Origi's Milan contract terminated after 20 months without playing
The 32-time Belgium international has not played since Nottingham Forest's two-goal defeat at Everton in the Premier League in April 2024.
Mozambique target historic first Afcon win in Morocco
Mozambique believe they can reach the knockout stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, according to former international Manuel Bucuane.
‘This is something he is never going to forget’: Arsenal stars bring festive joy to Great Ormond Street
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhães among those playing games with children, some of whom have been receiving treatment for several years. There’s a buzz going around Great Ormond Street hospital’s Koala ward.
How to survive Christmas period - the FPL talking point
With four deadlines in 11 days, FPL expert Pras Singhal gives five tips to stay ahead of the curve over the festive period.
Sutton's predictions v The Wellermen's Jonny Stewart
BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton takes on The Wellermen's Jonny Stewart - and AI - with his predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures.
'Why I was always driving home for Christmas'
In his BBC Sport column, ex-Premier League boss Tony Pulis reflects on what the festive period was like as a player and manager.
Xabi Alonso has made it to Christmas, but there's little comfort and joy at Real Madrid
The 44-year-old has survived an intense spell of pressure at the Bernabeu, but January will bring a tougher test.
Lamine Yamal has a statuette of himself doing a poo: It’s Christmas in Catalonia
Why does one of the world's greatest footballers have a figure of himself doing a poo next to his trophies? Allow us to explain.
Last orders at the Winslow Hotel – why we should raise a glass to the football pub
As clubs, including Everton, leave their old stadiums behind, the pubs beloved of match-going fans for generations have struggled to survive.
The Alternative Premier League Table: No 18 – the Xmas xG check-in
As the Christmas fixtures approach, we look at the under- and over-performing teams in the English top flight.
Jason Ayto interview: Brighton's sporting director on Arsenal, Hurzeler, and January transfers
Brighton's new sporting director tells The Athletic about what he learnt at Arsenal and how he can bring that to the south coast.
Inside Greek football’s rebirth: from Euro 2004 to the Battle of Thermopylae
An ambitious new plans for reforming football will blend a creative and technical approach with ideas drawn from national mythology.
Joe Rodon interview: 'I felt like a new car kept in the garage for four years. Now it's like I'm fresh'
The defender has made 115 Leeds appearances — and has never played this frequently for any club before United. He is in uncharted territory.
How much will squad depth and injuries impact the Premier League title race?
Arsenal, Manchester City and surprise package Aston Villa are duking it out at the top of the table as we near the halfway point of 2025-26.
‘Just incredible’: Arsenal keeper’s redemption as heroic act decides Cup thriller
Kepa Arrizabalaga was Arsenal’s League Cup quarter-final hero with the decisive penalty shoot-out save that completed a miserable evening for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix on Wednesday (AEDT).
Arsenal survive 'emotionally tough' Palace shootout
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was "emotionally tough" to accept Crystal Palace's stoppage-time equaliser before his team went on to win 8-7 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their Carabao Cup quarterfinal.
USMNT's Richards stretchered off in Carabao Cup
Crystal Palace and United States defender Chris Richards was taken from the field on a stretcher during his team's Carabao Cup game against Arsenal on Tuesday.
Arsenal win epic shootout to reach Carabao semis
Arsenal secured their place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after a marathon 8-7 sudden-death penalty shoot-out victory over Crystal Palace.
Sources: Man City make Semenyo move progress
Manchester City are pushing ahead with a move for Antoine Semenyo, sources have told ESPN, after positive talks with the Bournemouth winger.
Sources: Current to hire Armas as new head coach
The Kansas City Current have agreed to terms to hire Chris Armas as the team's new head coach, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Debrief: Arsenal reach semis, Isak has surgery & Semenyo to Man City?
Rob Green, Glenn Murray and Mikel Arteta react as Arsenal win on penalties.
U.S. defender Chris Richards taken off on stretcher with foot injury but hopeful of January return
Oliver Glasner confirmed Richards required stitches to his foot and is a doubt to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Afcon roundup: Nigeria squeeze past Tanzania as Jackson double helps Senegal win
Ademola Lookman scored a superb second-half winner as Nigeria earned a 2-1 Group C victory against Tanzania in the pouring rain in Fes, a positive start for the silver medallists from the previous tournament, but one that was not without moments of alarm.
Arrizabalaga is Arsenal’s shootout hero at expense of Lacroix and Crystal Palace
This competition may not be Mikel Arteta or Oliver Glasner’s top priority this season but that didn’t stop their sides from producing a spectacle full of blood and thunder.
La Liga duo battle for Senesi - Wednesday's gossip
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid battle to sign Marcos Senesi, Manchester United track RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande and Liverpool monitor Igor Thiago, plus more.
Arsenal 1 Crystal Palace 1 (8-7 pens): How big was this win? Does Jesus help Martinelli? Should Nwaneri get a chance?
We break down the talking points from Arsenal's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace at the Emirates.
Get ready for Guz Khan's new comedy, landing this Christmas
The Farooqi family have a chaotic Christmas in Lapland after a surprise bonus for Dad.
U.S. lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart becomes minority owner of Swansea
Stewart, 84, joins rapper Snoop Dogg and six-time Champions League winner Luka Modric as an investor in Swansea.
World Football
Can Nigeria go all the way in Morocco after an impressive opening win against Tanzania?.
NWSL proposes $1m salary cap breach to keep players like Trinity Rodman in US
The NWSL introduced a new “High Impact Player Rule” on Tuesday that allows teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1m to help attract and retain star players.
Mohamed Salah claims Africa Cup of Nations record
Mohamed Salah scored at his fifth Africa Cup of Nations tournament in a row, becoming the first Egyptian player to do so.
‘Put it this way’: PL bosses’ war of words over ‘reckless’ act that broke $253m Reds superstar
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot after the Liverpool boss criticised Micky van de Ven for a “reckless” tackle that left Alexander Isak with a broken leg.
Stewart joins Snoop Dogg and Modric as Swans co-owner
The 84-year-old American businesswoman has become the latest celebrity owner of Swansea City.
NWSL OK's 'Rodman rule' even as union objects
The NWSL on Tuesday announced the creation of what has been referred to internally as the "High Impact Player" rule (HIP), which would allow teams to spend up to $1 million outside of the salary cap on star players.
Lookman goal hands Nigeria win in AFCON opener
Ademola Lookman's second-half winner helped Nigeria overcome a Tanzania fightback and begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a bright 2-1 Group C victory.
Real Madrid's Endrick completes loan move to Lyon
Lyon have completed the loan signing of Real Madrid teenager Endrick until the end of the season.
Antoine Semenyo's preference to join Manchester City from Bournemouth
Semenyo's desire to win trophies is key to his decision.
Why Mbappe had £1.3m ethics bonus in PSG contract
Paris St-Germain were told they must hand over a £1.3m "ethics bonus" to Kylian Mbappe as part of his court battle win - what are these payments?.
Real Madrid forward Endrick agrees Lyon loan switch
Real Madrid and Brazil forward Endrick agrees to join French side Lyon on loan until the end of the season.
Man City in advanced talks with Bournemouth's Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is set to make a final decision on his future with Manchester City in advanced talks over a January move for the Bournemouth forward.
Murray takes Gray advice on step up to Hibs head coach
New Hibernian women head coach Joelle Murray says she sought advice from men's manager David Gray on the transition from assistant to the top job.
‘They don’t make it easy’: Moyes frustrated by PGMO reluctance to explain decisions
David Moyes has claimed Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) is reluctant to engage with managers because so many refereeing decisions this season have been difficult to explain.
Wrexham's McClean banned after Swansea 'incident'
James McClean is banned for three matches following an incident during Wrexham's defeat at Swansea City last Friday.
Nancy wants 'really happy' Maeda to stay at Celtic
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is eager to retain Daizen Maeda and insists the forward is "really happy" at the Scottish champions after a possible summer exit was blocked.
Rapids hire Tottenham assistant Wells as coach
The Colorado Rapids hired Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells as coach to replace Chris Armas.
How will Liverpool cope without Isak?
BBC Sport analyses how Liverpool manager Arne Slot might set up following striker Alexander Isak being ruled out for about two months with a broken leg.
'Ambition makes Hearts good proposition' - McInnes
Head coach Derek McInnes insists Hearts are "a good proposition" as the Scottish Premiership leaders aim to strengthen in January.
Manchester City favourites to sign Antoine Semenyo after Chelsea withdraw interest
Manchester City are in pole position to sign Antoine Semenyo after Chelsea cooled their interest in the Bournemouth winger.
'Come on Pep!' - Dyche's response to Guardiola's weight demands
Sean Dyche has told his Nottingham Forest players to "enjoy themselves" but "use common sense" over Christmas, after Pep Guardiola said Man City's players will be weighed when they return to training to check their fitness has not dropped over the festive period.
❄️ Madrid turn Bernabéu into winter wonderland
After a tough first half of the season for Real Madrid, the Bernabéu will be filled with the joys of the festive season during LaLiga's winter break.
'They should just use common sense' - Dyche unlikely to weigh players after Christmas
Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche urges his players to show "common sense" over Christmas after Pep Guardiola says he will weigh his squad on their return.
Antoine Semenyo: Chelsea enquire about January deal for Bournemouth forward
Chelsea had planned to sign a new forward in the summer but are considering accelerating their plans to January.
‘We’ve fallen behind’: why Germany’s biggest teams have split from DFB
Ownership of Frauen-Bundesliga is being taken over by the clubs, who want to keep pace with game in England. “The reason we started this whole process was a fear of losing more and more the connection to the top,” says Katharina Kiel, the head of women’s football at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Slot frustrated as Liverpool set to lose Isak for 'long time'
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he expects to lose Alexander Isak for "a couple of months" after the striker was injured in a tackle by Tottenham's Micky van de Ven - a challenge that Slot has called "reckless".
World Cup Fan Fests may feature 'Freedom' trucks celebrating U.S.'s 250th anniversary
A White House task force has facilitated a proposal to have trucks serve as patriotic mobile museums this summer.
Chelsea are using Strasbourg as a 'farm team' -- is this the new blueprint for top clubs?
Strasbourg now exists as a training ground for Chelsea prospects, akin to baseball's farm system. Is this the future of European soccer?.
23rd December 2025
Dan Elkayam, footballer who 'united people', killed in Bondi. Plus: Salah saves Egypt
Jacob Whitehead is here with Tuesday's TAFC newsletter.
Rohl seeks 'new momentum' with Rangers
Rangers need a "new momentum", says manager Danny Rohl after the "small setback" of Sunday's 2-1 loss at Tynecastle.
Newcastle contact refs' boss over Chelsea call
Newcastle United have contacted referees' chief Howard Webb over the controversial decision which denied them a potentially crucial penalty against Chelsea.
USMNT 2025 year in review: Highs, lows as Pochettino preps for 2026 World Cup
From Nations League malaise and player discomfort, to an impressive year-ending run, USMNT's 2025 was about Mauricio Pochettino's process.
Premier League overreactions: Are Villa in the title race? Can Wolves avoid history?
Just before we hit the crowded festive fixtures, we have plenty to overreact to in the Premier League, from the title race down to a potential record-breaking worst season.
‘Un club d’ici’: FC Supra turns to a Bilbao-style model to keep Québec talent at home
By representing its region’s distinct culture and players, the Canadian Premier League team aims to boost the province’s undoubted soccer potential.
Oxford sack manager Gary Rowett with club in Championship relegation zone
Oxford United have sacked Gary Rowett with the club 22nd in the Championship, two points from the last safe spot.
Newcastle seek 'clarification' over non-penalty
Manager Eddie Howe says Newcastle "want to know the thought process behind the decision" not to award them a penalty against Chelsea on Saturday.
Sources: Man Utd delay Zirkzee exit decision
Manchester United are set to delay any decision on Joshua Zirkzee's future until later in the January window, sources have told ESPN.
Slot calls tackle 'reckless'; Isak out for two months
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has described the challenge from Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven which broke Alexander Isak's leg as "reckless.".
Liverpool's Isak out for 'couple months' - Slot
Arne Slot said he expects striker Alexander Isak to be sidelined for "a couple of months" after sustaining a broken leg in Liverpool's win over Tottenham.
